The defending PFC champion Regina Thunder open their 2025 campaign on the road in Edmonton on Sunday, where they will take on the Edmonton Huskies.
Head Coach Scott MacAulay likes where his team is coming out of training camp.
"This year was one of the most competitive we’ve seen in a long time. From day one, the energy was high, the guys came in ready, and every position group pushed each other to be better. There’s a real hunger in that locker room, a lot of returning veterans with unfinished business and a talented group of young players who want to prove they belong.”
The 2024 edition of the Thunder won the Prairie Football Conference title with a victory over the Saskatoon Hilltops. However, their quest for a national championship came up short when they fell in the national semi-final to the Okanagan Sun. MacAulay admits that the shortfall motivated his group's off-season work.
“Our focus is clear: we’re chasing another PFC championship, but we’re not stopping there. This team knows what it takes to win in the Prairie Football Conference, and now we’re setting our sights on that next level. Every rep, every practice, every game, we’re building toward becoming Canadian Bowl Champions.”
MacAulay and the Thunder coaching staff will have a strong veteran presence as 62 players returning from last year's championship team. Additionally, the Thunder have added 33 rookies to their roster.
The Thunder also named their captains before heading to Edmonton.
Defensive back Lorrin Leblanc, running back Peter Boersch, linebacker Kenten Effa, offensive lineman Caleb Barajas, receiver Lucus DI Iorio, and defensive lineman Liam Sellwood.
Here’s who to watch in 2025:
#8 Adam Mosher – Quarterback
Won the starting QB job in training camp
11 of 22 for 128 yards in limited playing time last season
#56 Caleb Barajas – Offensive Line
PFC all-star
CJFL 2nd team all-star
The anchor on O-Line that amassed 1,430 rushing yards and 17 rushing TDs
#38 Connor Allen – Fullback
Key blocker that helped team rack up 1,940 passing yards and 11 touchdowns
Well-rounded offensive threat who can run, block and catch
Made three special team tackles
#2 Lucas DI Iorio – Receiver
25 receptions for 412 yards in 2024
16.5-yard average
#85 Ben Walz – Receiver
35 catches for 375 yards in 2024
Caught 4 TD passes
#55 Liam Sellwood – Defensive Line
PFC all-star
PFC's most outstanding defensive lineman
CJFL 1st team all-star
#52 Kenten Effa – Linebacker
26 defensive tackles and 13 assists in 2024
Had a QB sack and a pass knockdown
#3 Cooper Filazek – Defensive Back
3 interceptions and three pass knockdowns
Made 17 defensive tackles and added seven assists
#23 Marcus Butz – Defensive Back
3 interceptions
13 defensive tackles, three assists, and three special team tackles
#7 Shawn Green – Kicker
Led PFC in scoring with 82 points
16 field goals and 30 converts were the most by any PFC kicker
Added 60 punts for a 35.2-yard average
The Regina Thunder and Edmonton Huskies kick off Sunday at 1 p.m.
